MDS
29th April 2009, 17:48
As part of the deal with APEX there will likely be a race in Brazil sometime next season, probably in March. Supposedly three cities are lobbying for the race.
Autodromo Internacional Nelson Piquet in Brazilia. Not to be confused with the Piquet circuit in Rio that hosted CART for several years. This is the constantly undertilized, if not uninspired, track that hosted a non-points F-1 race in the 70s.
Autódromo Internacional de Tarumã in Viamao. This is my favorite, its almost a two mile track and its wickly fast with banked turns and dramatic elevation changes. Even those in the "Oval Only" crowd should like this track, it's unlike anything you've ever seen.
Autodromo de Goinia: Lee Van Dam, the promotor of Champ Car's races at Zolder and Assen was working with officials in Goinia to bring Champ car to Goinia, and they lobbied hard for A1GP too. It's a flat track and its laid out so most of stands can see all of the track.
I know there is a lot of opposition to going outside the U.S. for races, but the IRL needs successful, iconic events on tracks where they're not overshadowed by NASCAR, and right now there aren't that many on the schedule. Yes I want to see Michigan, California, Pheonix, New Hampshire and Pikes Peak back on the schedule, but I don't know how likely that is to ever happen, and a Brazil event has all the ingredients to be succesful.
There is a big sponsor with buy in willing to pay the bills in Apex. Lee Van Dam put on two successful Champ Car events in Europe, so at least one promoter has a strong track record. There is buy in from the local government and the tracks are established facilities.
Some of the IRL's biggest stars are Brazilian, Tony Kannan, Helio Castroneves, as well as Vitor Meira and Mario Moreas. Bruno Junqueria and Jamie Camara are both searching for rides and Mario Romancini is showing some poise in Indy Lights. Also, given how Nelson Piquet Jr is driving this year, there is a chance he could end up in the IRL in 2010. Having drivers from neighboring countries like E.J. Viso also provides a nice bit of rivalry for the crowd as well.
Add a Copa NEXTEL Stock race as a supporting event you might get some former F-1 drivers like Richardo Zonta, Antonio Pizzonia, and Enrique Bernoldi get one off rides, and a strong Saturday show, which is lacking from almost every IRL weekend.
Factor in the lack of warm-weather venues from which to start your season from. The fact its in the same time zone as America. And that we have events in America that Americans aren't willing to pay for, and I think a March Brazil race makes a ton of sense.
Autodromo Internacional Nelson Piquet in Brazilia. Not to be confused with the Piquet circuit in Rio that hosted CART for several years. This is the constantly undertilized, if not uninspired, track that hosted a non-points F-1 race in the 70s.
Autódromo Internacional de Tarumã in Viamao. This is my favorite, its almost a two mile track and its wickly fast with banked turns and dramatic elevation changes. Even those in the "Oval Only" crowd should like this track, it's unlike anything you've ever seen.
Autodromo de Goinia: Lee Van Dam, the promotor of Champ Car's races at Zolder and Assen was working with officials in Goinia to bring Champ car to Goinia, and they lobbied hard for A1GP too. It's a flat track and its laid out so most of stands can see all of the track.
I know there is a lot of opposition to going outside the U.S. for races, but the IRL needs successful, iconic events on tracks where they're not overshadowed by NASCAR, and right now there aren't that many on the schedule. Yes I want to see Michigan, California, Pheonix, New Hampshire and Pikes Peak back on the schedule, but I don't know how likely that is to ever happen, and a Brazil event has all the ingredients to be succesful.
There is a big sponsor with buy in willing to pay the bills in Apex. Lee Van Dam put on two successful Champ Car events in Europe, so at least one promoter has a strong track record. There is buy in from the local government and the tracks are established facilities.
Some of the IRL's biggest stars are Brazilian, Tony Kannan, Helio Castroneves, as well as Vitor Meira and Mario Moreas. Bruno Junqueria and Jamie Camara are both searching for rides and Mario Romancini is showing some poise in Indy Lights. Also, given how Nelson Piquet Jr is driving this year, there is a chance he could end up in the IRL in 2010. Having drivers from neighboring countries like E.J. Viso also provides a nice bit of rivalry for the crowd as well.
Add a Copa NEXTEL Stock race as a supporting event you might get some former F-1 drivers like Richardo Zonta, Antonio Pizzonia, and Enrique Bernoldi get one off rides, and a strong Saturday show, which is lacking from almost every IRL weekend.
Factor in the lack of warm-weather venues from which to start your season from. The fact its in the same time zone as America. And that we have events in America that Americans aren't willing to pay for, and I think a March Brazil race makes a ton of sense.